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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The No. 12 Florida State men’s tennis team (15-1) earned their first ACC win of the season in a 5-2 win over No. 50 Clemson (6-2).
The Seminoles got off to a slow start losing just their third doubles point of the season. The Seminoles were tied on courts one and three early, but could not hold on as the Tigers took down the Garnet and Gold on courts one and two.
“It was a nice win on the road,” said head coach Dwayne Hultquist. “Clemson played hard and took it to us in doubles. I am proud of how they came back after losing the doubles point.”
Florida State turned it around in singles play winning five of the six courts. The Seminoles won four first sets and that turned into some quick points for the Noles. Redshirt senior Lucas Poullain got the Noles on the board and tied the match at 1-1 with his 10th win of the season on court three, 6-3, 6-1. Freshman Chase Wood gave the Garnet and Gold the lead with his sixth win of the season on court six, 6-2, 6-2. Clemson tied the match back up as they defeated senior Guy Iradukunda on court one in three sets.
The Seminoles bounced back and won the final three points to take their first ACC match of the season. Junior Aziz Dougaz and senior Jose Gracia scored the final two points to clinch the match. Gracia won in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 on court four and Dougaz won 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 on court two. Sophomore Alex Knaff capped off the 5-2 win with a 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 win on court five.
“It was nice to take three first sets and then all of the second sets to keep us in the match,” said Hultquist. “Aziz was able to get the clincher today. It is nice to see him step up after dropping the first set and fight hard to get back.”
“This is a good start in the ACC. Clemson is a much improved team.”
Florida State is back on the court next Friday as they take on Miami at 6 p.m. in Lake Nona, Fla. at the USTA National Campus.
To keep up with the Seminoles, check Seminoles.com for the latest news and scheduling information, or keep up with the team on social media through Twitter (@FSU_MTennis), Facebook (/FSUMTennis), and Instagram @FSU_MTennis).
Tennis Match Results
Florida State 5, Clemson 2
Singles Results
1. #64 Alex Favrot (CU) def. #12 Guy Iradukunda (FS) 6-4, 1-6, 7-6
2. Aziz Dougaz (FS) def. Simon Baudry (CU) 2-6, 6-3, 7-5
3. #53 Lucas Poullain (FS) def. Sam Edwards (CU) 6-3, 6-1
4. Jose Gracia (FS) def. Yizhou Liu (CU) 6-4, 7-6
5. # 93 Alex Knaff def. Carlos Kelaidis (CU) 6-7, 6-3, 6-2
6. Chase Wood (FS) def. Marshall Dagostine (CU) 6-2, 6-2
Doubles Results
1. No. 46 Favrot/Baudry def. #14 Poullain/Gracia (FS) 7-5
2. Edwards/Liu def. #35 Dougaz/Iradukunda (FS) 6-3
3. Kelaidis/Dagostine def. #52 Whitehurst/Whitehurst (FS) 5-5 unfinished
Order of Finish: (1, 2) (3, 6, 1, 4, 2, 5)
